Women’s Voice and Leadership in Nigeria

Women’s Voice and Leadership Project

Our Approach for WVL

The Women’s Voice and Leadership project, managed by ActionAid Nigeria and funded by Global Affairs Canada, adopts a bold and responsive approach to tackle the systemic barriers faced by women-led organizations at all levels.

🔁 Flexible Multi-Layered Funding

We provide adaptable funding that supports both core operations and innovative programming, allowing organizations to scale impact and respond to community needs without donor constraints.

🏗️ Capacity Building for Institutional Strengthening

Through structured training, we strengthen governance, financial management, leadership, and strategic planning for long-term organizational resilience.

🤝 Mentorship and Coaching

Ongoing mentorship connects established leaders with emerging voices, fostering peer learning, experience sharing, and organizational growth.

Our Key Activities

🤰 Reducing Maternal Mortality

Through the powerful campaign “Ceton mai haihuwa ibada ne” (Saving mothers is a religious duty), we mobilized a network of community-based organizations (CBOs) to raise awareness and advocate for improved maternal health services.

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🛡 Safe Schools for Girls

We tackled School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV) by co-designing solutions with communities, establishing support groups in schools, building capacity through awareness campaigns, and setting up sustainable monitoring and support systems.

📚 E-Learning Innovation

To enhance academic performance among SS2 girls, we introduced solar-powered offline e-learning hubs. These hubs feature Hausa-based science content aligned with SSCE standards, developed by local teachers using H5P technology.

🧩 Building Stronger CBOs

Women-led CBOs received grants, essential office equipment, and tailored training on women’s rights. We provided ongoing mentorship and technical support to help them grow and sustain their impact.

🤝 United Against GBV

We established a vibrant coalition of CBOs to coordinate anti-GBV initiatives. This network fosters collaboration, strengthens advocacy, and promotes the sharing of best practices across organizations.

🚀 Strengthening NANA

Under the Women’s Voice and Leadership (WVL) project, NANA has evolved from a grassroots organization into a growing international brand. We’ve strengthened our governance, operational systems, and public visibility—positioning us to create even greater impact.

Key Achievements of the Project

🗣️ Empowering Students to Speak Up

In GDSS, a GBV awareness campaign led to a rise in reports of harassment, breaking the culture of silence. With support clubs and clear reporting systems, students—especially girls—now confidently speak out. The slogan “If you see something, say something” fostered accountability and safety.

💡 Changing Mindsets Through SRGBV

Sensitization at a Girls’ College empowered students to know their rights, reduce exploitation, and reject inappropriate relationships. School culture has shifted—students are more confident, and boundaries are respected.

🖥️ Unlocking Idle Resources for Learning

Faced with limited funds, NANA innovatively activated unused government computer labs and solar equipment. Once locked away, these facilities now serve thousands of students, transforming learning environments and boosting academic performance.

🏫 Transforming School Culture

In one school, SRGBV action led to suspension of bullies and an end to forced labor by seniors. Students now feel safer and heard. As one junior put it: “Aunty has reduced my suffering.”

👩‍💼 Sustaining Women’s Leadership

WVL training helped CBOs develop succession plans and build leadership confidence. One elderly leader said, “I now know how to let go without fear. I want my organization to thrive after me.”

🚀 Driving Change, Empowering Voices

From classrooms to communities, these stories show the power of support, awareness, and innovation in creating safer, stronger systems—where women and youth lead the change.